Customer Reviews (100)

Ben Hoffmann • 2025-03-24T15:36:39.857Z

omg the nostalgia, like I'm playing my old ps2 but anywhere anytime haha. this plays so good on my phone it's crazy... Also, it fully supports controllers! I didn't realize this until after I bought. so awesome! PLEASE port Dark Alliance 2 too!!!!!!!! please please!

Shaggy__0_o • 2025-03-24T05:09:59.633Z

greet game

Donovannoah Row • 2025-03-23T18:27:35.776Z

same as it was on ps2

Summary of Key Insights

Overall, Baldur's Gate: Dark Alliance on Android receives a mixed reception. While many users express nostalgia and enjoyment of the core gameplay, a significant number report technical issues, particularly crashes and bugs related to stat allocation and controller support. The dominant sentiment is positive, driven by the game's faithfulness to the original PS2 version and the convenience of playing it on mobile. However, the negative reviews highlight critical flaws that severely impact playability for some users. A common request is for a port of Dark Alliance 2 and cloud saving.

Key Strengths: Faithfulness to the original, nostalgia factor, controller support (when working). Key Weaknesses: Crashing, bugs related to stat allocation, issues with touch controls, lack of cloud saving, issues with gamepad support for some. Overall Sentiment: Positive, but tempered by significant technical issues. Overall Rating (estimated): Based on the score distribution, the average rating is approximately 4.1 stars (weighted average). Score Distribution: 5-star: 62%, 4-star: 12%, 3-star: 6%, 2-star: 4%, 1-star: 16%

Data & Methodology Overview

Data Sample Size: 100 reviews Time Frame: Not specified, but assumed to be recent based on the version number (1.0.7) and user comments. Analysis Methods: Sentiment analysis (qualitative assessment of positive, negative, and neutral feedback), keyword extraction (identification of frequently mentioned terms and issues), and thematic analysis (grouping reviews based on common themes).

Key User Pain Points

  • Crashing: The most frequently reported issue. Occurs during startup, when entering new areas, or randomly during gameplay, leading to lost progress and frustration.
  • Stat Allocation Bug: A significant number of users report being unable to allocate stat points properly, with the game automatically assigning points to strength. This severely impacts character progression and makes the game unplayable for certain classes or on higher difficulties.
  • Control Issues: Touch controls are sometimes described as clunky, unresponsive, or difficult to use, especially in combat. Auto-rotate camera is also an issue.
  • Controller Support Problems: While some users praise controller support, others report that controllers don't work correctly or at all.
  • Lack of Cloud Saving: Prevents users from seamlessly playing across multiple devices.
  • Game Freezing on Startup: Some users experience the game freezing on the startup page.
  • Aspect Ratio/Display Issues: Text being cut off on folding devices or certain phones.
  • Google Play Games Integration Issues: Inability to sign in to Google Play Games for save transfer.

Frequently Requested Features

  • Port of Dark Alliance 2: Overwhelmingly the most requested feature.
  • Cloud Saving: Allows players to continue their progress across multiple devices.
  • Camera Control: More control over the camera angle and zoom.
  • Online Co-op: Adding online multiplayer functionality.
  • Remastered Graphics: Improved visuals for modern devices.
  • Champions of Norrath Port: A request to port another similar game.
  • Customizable Buttons: The ability to customize the on-screen button layout.

Strengths and Positive Aspects

  • Nostalgia: The game evokes strong feelings of nostalgia for players who enjoyed it on the PS2.
  • Faithful Port: Many users praise the game's faithfulness to the original version.
  • Controller Support (for some): When working correctly, controller support enhances the gameplay experience.
  • Convenience: The ability to play the game on mobile devices is a major draw.
  • Smooth Performance (for some): Some users report smooth performance and no bugs.
  • Challenging Gameplay: Some users enjoy the game's difficulty and loot-oriented progression.

Prioritized Action Recommendations

High Priority:

  • Fix Crashing Issues: Investigate and resolve the causes of frequent crashes. This is the most critical issue affecting the user experience.
  • Address Stat Allocation Bug: Resolve the bug that prevents players from properly allocating stat points during level up.
  • Improve Controller Support: Ensure consistent and reliable controller support across a wider range of devices.

Medium Priority:

  • Optimize Touch Controls: Refine the touch controls to make them more responsive and intuitive. Allow for button customization.
  • Implement Cloud Saving: Enable cloud saving to allow players to synchronize progress across devices.
  • Address Aspect Ratio Issues: Optimize the game for different screen sizes and aspect ratios, particularly on folding devices.
  • Investigate and resolve Google Play Games integration issues: Allow users to sign in for save transfer.

Low Priority:

  • Add Camera Control: Provide more control over the camera angle and zoom.
  • Consider Online Co-op: Explore the possibility of adding online multiplayer functionality in a future update.

Opportunities for Startup Ideas

  • Mobile Game Porting and Optimization Service: A service specializing in porting classic console games to mobile platforms, with a focus on optimization and bug fixing. This could address the inconsistent quality of many mobile game ports.
  • Nostalgia-Focused Mobile Game Subscription: A subscription service offering a curated library of classic console games ported to mobile, ensuring high quality and compatibility.
  • Mobile Game Controller Customization App: An app that allows users to customize the layout and sensitivity of virtual game controllers for mobile games.

Trends and Observations

  • Strong Nostalgia Factor: The game's appeal is heavily driven by nostalgia for the original PS2 version.
  • Polarizing Experience: The game seems to provide either a very positive or very negative experience, with few users reporting a neutral experience. This suggests that the technical issues are highly impactful.
  • Desire for Sequels/Similar Games: The consistent request for a port of Dark Alliance 2 and Champions of Norrath indicates a strong demand for similar games on mobile.

Conclusion

Baldur's Gate: Dark Alliance on Android has the potential to be a highly successful mobile game, given its strong nostalgia factor and engaging gameplay. However, the numerous technical issues, particularly crashing and the stat allocation bug, are significantly hindering the user experience. Addressing these issues should be the top priority. Implementing frequently requested features like cloud saving and a Dark Alliance 2 port would further enhance the game's appeal. Overall, fixing bugs and adding requested features would greatly improve user satisfaction and drive positive reviews.

Recommendation: Prioritize bug fixes, particularly those related to crashing and stat allocation. Then, focus on implementing cloud saving and exploring the feasibility of porting Dark Alliance 2.

Original App Link

https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.interplay.baldursgate.darkalliance